Do the Hustle: Avery REMTech MTB Pedal System

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by Cameron Newton, PCI #1994-B
Denton (TX) Police Department

I was approached by Greg Bowen, IPMBA Industry Liaison, and Craig Payne, owner of Hustle Bike Labs, to test the company’s Avery REMTech MTB Pedal system for public safety use. As an officer assigned to a bicycle patrol unit, I spend approximately 80% of my shift riding a mountain bike. The pedal was designed from a background in mountain bike racing; however, it had yet to be field-tested within the context of public safety.

The Avery REMTech MTB Pedal is an anodized aluminum alloy flat pedal with rare earth neodymium magnet technology. There does not seem to be a simple definition of a rare earth magnet, so suffice to say that they are “strong permanent magnets made from alloys of rare-earth elements. They are the strongest type of permanent magnets made, producing significantly stronger magnetic fields than other types such as ferrite or alnico magnets.” (Wikipedia).

This innovation creates a hybrid pedal that can utilize M4 pins or the specialized magnet technology. The pedal body is anodized aluminum that is milled for up to fifteen M4 pedal pins, which provide the rider with varying cleat engagement and retention. The cleat is made of neodymium magnets that are affixed to the outer sole using two T25 cleat screws. The magnets are cased within opposing sides of plastic housing in the center of the pedal body. The pedals can be used with flat shoes; however, to receive the full effect of the retention, SPD 2-hole shoes are necessary so that the company’s proprietary cleat can be installed.

During this 30 day “initial impression” test of the Avery REMTech MTB Pedal system, I considered the design, fit, and function of this product. I installed the magnet cleats onto a pair of ION Rascal shoes that I typically wear while riding my personal bike. The company designed a low-profile magnet cleat that bolts into nearly any 2-hole outer sole, including the industry standard SPD for off-road cycling shoes. The low-profile design of the cleat enabled me to walk normally, with only minimal noise. The pedal interface kept my shoes engaged and I could easily perform skills both in real-world situations and in controlled training environments. The approximate one kg (two lbs) weight of the pedal system was barely noticeable as the sealed bearings spun smoothly as would any high-end flat pedal on the market today.

In my experience as an IPMBA Instructor, I have found that students often struggle with pedal retention while wearing common athletic shoes. Prior to utilizing this system, their options were to replace the standard nylon flat pedals with donations from the “parts bin” or return the following day with another form of pedal retention. This pedal creates a seamless transition into clipless technology and provides the required retention needed for deployments and training. This pedal is a suitable option for riders that are still novices, have not ridden in years, or have never used a clipless system.

Hustle Bike labs is veteran owned and operated and partners with organizations like IPMBA to offer its members a suitable pedal retention option.

Some reviews I have read are neutral, stating “the idea has always seemed to have some merit, but up until now, the products have never caught on. Maybe this time will be different.” Others are more favorable, highlighting the “solid connection, easy breakaway and perfect placement.” See the Hustle Bike Labs website for further reviews.

According to Payne, the version of the pedal I tested was considered the company’s initial version. The company has since redesigned some of the aesthetics and features of the pedal from its initial design. Based on the iteration I tested, I believe these pedals can be a great option for pedal retention within public safety use.

Currently advertised at $220 USD, it is on the top end of current market options. This could be a deterrent for some riders. The pedal is heavier than comparable high-end flat pedal options, another deterrent for some who value product weight in their decision making. Furthermore, the size of the cleat is much larger than other cleat designs. Despite these concerns, I believe the Avery REMTech pedal satisfies the need for a durable pedal that provides adequate retention, walkability with reduced noise, and a clipless feel.

Photo courtesy Cameron Newton.

Cam started cycling ten years ago and now races for a local cycling team, Trinity Cycling DFW. He is currently training for the 2023 World Police and Fire Games to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is currently assigned as the Bicycle Coordinator for Denton Police Department and is on full-time bicycle patrol for the Downtown Unit. He attended the Police Cyclist Course in 2017 and was certified as an IPMBA Instructor in 2021. He can be reached at Cameron.newton@cityofdenton.com.

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